Top 10 SEO Myths
Filed Under Search Engine Optimization |
In-House SEO Is Cheaper
Less than 1 percent of the marketing budget goes to SEO, leaving corporate Web sites improperly optimized. SEO pros can get better rankings faster because submission is complex, technical, ever changing, and has a steep learning curve. Outsourcing is cost-effective because the pros get economies-of-scale after initial outlays in personnel, technology, and process development. In-house SEO lacks cost maximization.
It’s a One-Shot Deal With Submission Software
Submission software promises the moon. But how can software get the same kind of results reputable vendors provide for a fraction of the cost? There’s no way software can identify keywords automatically or optimize your content and HTML coding. All the engines have specific submission guidelines that change regularly. It’s not one size fits all, and no software program can customize and update to the degree required to maintain top listings.
SEO Leads Are Inferior to Traditional Media Leads
This is the opposite of reality. SEO leads are the most qualified leads you can get because people searching for products and services on search engines are in “action” mode and ready to buy. Search engine traffic is qualified because users initiate the search with a purpose, making these leads targeted and more valuable than those from “broadcast” advertising methods used by traditional media.
SEO Traffic Isn’t High Quality
Ideally, it’d be nice to have an integrated marketing campaign with TV ads, direct mail, email, banner ads, and search engine marketing, but not everyone can afford this. When your marketing budget is limited, the place to start is with SEO. A properly optimized site can produce leads and sales within a short time period. Case studies have shown that search engine traffic is equal to or better than traffic from more expensive sources.
Top Rankings Guaranteed or Your Money Back
Money-back guarantees are worthless in search engine positioning because outcomes are always unpredictable and ever-changing. Technicians cannot control the search engines.
We’ll List You in Thousands of Search Engines
Submission software claiming to “Submit to 1,500 directories and search engines” gets you listed in many FFA (Free For All) engines. FFAs don’t compare to directories and engines like Yahoo! and Google, and your name gets on email spam lists.
Once You Achieve Good Rankings, You’re All Set
Search engine positioning requires trial and error, and success is ephemeral. Today’s top listings will change tomorrow or even on an hourly basis. Maintaining positioning requires constant monitoring and tweaking. It can’t be guaranteed, and it’s not permanent once achieved.
SEO Doesn’t Give a Good ROI
The ROI for SEO is excellent compared to other marketing methods. A Marketing study clearly illustrates this by comparing the results of banner ads, direct mail and SEO. With SEO, you get better conversion rates, lower cost-per-click, and lower acquisition costs.
Professional SEO is Too Expensive
SEO is cost-effective compared to banner ads direct mail, email marketing, and print advertising. For instance, SEM deliverables are half the cost of keyword banner campaigns, and SEO can provide specific measurable results.
All SEO Services Are Alike
SEO is striving for ethics and standards although there are a few questionable providers giving the industry a bad name. Services and pricing vary widely. Ask your search engine optimization firm to define services, pricing, contracts and reporting. Verify the provider’s experience and proficiency by interviewing past customers.
Leave a Reply